Rabat – The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) has arrested a three-member terror cell for their alleged ties with ISIS. Aged between 21 and 31, the suspects were active in the city of Kenitra, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were promoting terror propaganda and were planning acts of terrorism to undermine the stability of the country.
Investigations found that one of the suspects attempted to join ISIS both in the Syrian-Iraqi conflict zones and in its active factions in West Africa before deciding to commit a terrorist act in Morocco in coordination with the other members of the cell.
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The same suspect was also in constant contact with one of the extremist members of a terror cell arrested on November 9 in Ait Melloul in southern Morocco.
The ministry said that the suspects will be put in custody after investigations.
Thanks to its efforts to combat terrorism, Morocco now ranks 132nd out of 166 countries at threat of terrorism in the 2018 Global Terrorism Index. The country is listed among the countries least affected by terrorism, which makes it safer than the US, France, and Algeria.
Today’s operation comes after a similar arrest of a six-member terror cell for their alleged ties with ISIS.
On Saturday, October 8, BCIJ also busted an international cocaine trafficking ring.
Throughout the year, BCIJ has carried out similar operations across the country.
